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The 2010 Memorial Cup began with the OHL champion Windsor Spitfires against the tournament hosts, the Brandon Wheat Kings. A team that finished second in the WHL with a 50-18-1 record and lost in the conference finals to the eventual winners, the Calgary Hitmen.
The Spitfires dropped a train on the Wheat Kings, 9-3. Taylor Hall, Scott Timmins, and New Jersey Devils prospect Adam Henrique both led the way with 2 goals each; with an assist for both Timmins and Henrique.
Tonight, the Spitfires dropped a boat on the Wheat Kings. The final score was 9-1. Taylor Hall, Ryan Ellis, and Henrique put up 3 points a piece as the team just rolled through Brandon as if they were a thresher.
Let's take a step back to the time in between this game and the first one.
The Spitfires continued their winning ways to the final, only to find that their opponents would be Brandon. The Wheat Kings, who have Devils prospect Alexander Urbom on defense, clawed their way past QMJHL champions Moncton Wildcats and Calgary, where Urbom scored Brandon's first goal as part of a come-from-behind 5-4 win.
With the game being in Brandon's home rink, the fans loud and supportive, and the team pumped from beating their WHL foes to get to the final, surely the Spitfires had to be concerned. Surely, Devils prospect and Windsor captain defenseman Harry Young had to wonder about the momentum Brandon had going into the game. Coach Bob Boughner had to worry about how a good start would get and possibly keep the Wheat Kings rolling their way to the Memorial Cup.
Well, Windsor did more than just ease their concerns. They got the job done and played at a level far above Brandon. . The game was a bigger beat down than the tournament's opener. I caught the game through Sportsnet online, and what I saw was Windsor picking apart apart Brandon at every opportunity. Every Spitfire line was in sync, the match-ups were Windsor's favor, and goaltender Jacob de Serres faced 52 shots on net. 52. Brandon only mustered up 28. Windsor just bossed Brandon all over the ice, only the fans brought their 'A' game.
Harry Young was steady, not particularly noticable, but that's not a bad thing for a defensive defenseman. I didn't like his double minor for roughing. I can't say Alexander Urbom had a good game with a -2 and a coincidental minor for slashing (and Henrique took the other minor for roughing). I can't say any Wheat King had a good game, as they were steamrolled by the Windsor juggernaut today. Urbom should hold his head up a little bit that his venture into the North American game was met with success - albeit with only 1 goal and 1 assist in the Memorial Cup.
Adam Henrique was great in the 2009 Memorial Cup with 4 goals and 4 assists. Tonight, he ended his 2009-10 campaign 2 goals and an assist to finish his 2010 Memorial Cup with 6 goals and 5 assists. Both goals were great shots, catching De Serres with his legs open enough to go five-hole, and both the result of getting behind Brandon's defense, including Urbom on the second one. Henrique was great, the 2010 Memorial Cup MVP Taylor Hall was great, Scott Timmins was great, Ryan Ellis was great, Greg Nemisz was great, Cam Fowler was great, and so many other Spitfires were great tonight. Rarely do you see a strong team like Brandon get manhandled, yet the two blowouts administered by the 2009-10 Windsor Spitfires
To recap Henrique's 2009-10. An OHL Championship. A Memorial Cup. 38 goals and 39 assists in 58 games in the OHL regular season, third on his team. 20 goals and 5 assists in 19 games in the OHL playoffs. The 6 goals and 5 assists in 5 Memorial Cup games. Representing Canada in the 2010 World Junior Championships, though relegated to a lower line and so only had 1 goal, but still earned a silver medal. I'd say he's had a sensational 2009-10 season.
Excuse me if I'm looking through Devils-colored lenses, but what more does he have to prove? Certainly nothing else in junior. I know I've seen little game action of him, but I'm pretty sure he's going to be a Devil very soon. Note: I didn't say for what level, but he could be a fine pro in due time. Definitely keep an eye on him in training camp.
Henrique, Young, and Windsor wins their second straight Memorial Cup, the first time since the Kamloops Blazers of 1994-95. Congratulations to the Windsor organization.